It is never too early to make predictions, and with the season less than three months away, we are seeking your input on who you think will take home some of the ACC's top honors at season's end.
We continue today with defensive player of the year.
DE Vic Beasley, Sr., Clemson. Beasley's return for his fifth and final season at Clemson gives the Tigers a huge boost going into 2014, as they tout one of the best defensive lines in the country. That, of course, should lead to plenty of opportunities for Beasley, who last season notched 13 sacks, another 12 quarterback hurries, 23 tackles for loss, six pass break-ups, four forced fumbles and a fumble return for a touchdown. Numbers similar to those of his All-America campaign in 2013 will have him in the running for the award this fall.
DE Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State. The No. 1 recruit in the nation from the Class of 2012 has the tools to be one of the top defenders in the ACC and the nation. He earned third-team All-ACC status last season after making 9.5 tackles for loss (including 3.5 sacks), one interception, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown. And his biggest performance came on the biggest stage, as he made three stops behind the line of scrimmage in the Seminoles' BCS national championship win over Auburn, a potential precursor of what's to come in 2014.
LB Denzel Perryman, Sr., Miami. Perryman was a force to be reckoned with last season, winning team defensive MVP honors as he led the Hurricanes with 108 tackles, including five for loss. He was named All-ACC first team and is moving to the middle this season, where expectations are even higher for a player Phil Steele has already recognized as a preseason first-team All-American. The biggest thing holding Perryman's candidacy back could be his team, which has struggled recently on the defensive side of the ball, finishing 89th nationally in total defense in 2013.
S Anthony Harris, Sr., Virginia. Like Perryman, Harris could be hurt by his team, which struggled through a winless ACC campaign last season, something that likely prevented Harris' name from being in the discussion among the game's best defensive players. His numbers suggest he belongs in that conversation, as he led the nation with eight interceptions while adding 3.5 tackles for loss and forcing a fumble. Harris earned numerous first-team All-America honors and is poised for another strong season, though those stats are often difficult for a defensive back to duplicate.
Others: Florida State's P.J. Williams and Virginia Tech's Kendall Fuller figure to be two of the better cornerbacks in the nation. The Hokies' defensive line, led by Luther Maddy, always makes life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Let's not forget Seminoles linebacker Terrance Smith, either. There are plenty of faces throughout the league capable of outstanding seasons, so be sure to share your thoughts on who you think could make the biggest impact in 2014.